It occurred to me this week that it's been 30 years since I've been to Peterborough. I only realized this because I'd read that it was 30 years ago this week that The Smiths "the Queen is Dead" album was released.
That week, we must have been finished school already, or had a day off in our exam schedule, we got into the car with my mom and dad, probably the green Buick Century, and took a little road trip together. I know we drove through Havelock, to Peterborough (to see the lift locks!) and eventually ended up in Oshawa. The Oshawa part is important. We went to the mall, the Oshawa Centre probably. My dad and my brother went to a movie and my mum and I shopped.
I don't remember much about what else I bought or looked at but I can recall, very clearly, clutching a copy of "The Queen Is Dead" in my hands for the drive home, anxiously, almost breathlessly, waiting to run to my room and put it on the turntable. That's right kids, this was 1986. Your choices at the store at that time were vinyl or cassette. I always chose vinyl for a couple of reasons. First of all, the artwork was always better and secondly, I had a turntable. I also could make a tape copy of the LP and listen to it on my walkman. How many times I listened to that album, hundreds probably. I loved the Smiths, so much, still do.
They really spoke to me and a year later, when I got my first apartment, the first poster I hung up in the living room of my brand new apartment was of them (I also had posters of Bruce Cockburn and the Communards in the bathroom but that's another post).
Everything about their lyrics resonated with me and there were only a couple of people amongst my wide circle of friends who even knew who they were, much less loved them like I did. I remember my mum telling me to "turn that down! he can't sing!!" - that always made me laugh. You could like his voice or not but the words were poetry, no argument. I spent a lot of time and probably too much money tracking down 12" singles and imported versions of albums I already had. There was no such thing as too much Morrissey and Marr for me. Even now, all these years later, I still keep The Smiths, and solo stuff by Morrissey and Johnny Marr in regular rotation. I never grow bored of them.
Admittedly, this week has been pretty rough for me, I'm feeling a lot better about things today and listening to Big Mouth Strikes Again, surprisingly, is helping.
Showing posts with label roadtrip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label roadtrip. Show all posts
Friday, June 17, 2016
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
outside the wall
It was a busy weekend for us. We had a little roadtrip to Toronto on Saturday and Ottawa on Monday to see Roger Waters on his final leg of the Wall Tour.
Mark saw the first two shows of the tour in Toronto back in the fall of 2010 and then he and I saw shows together in Ottawa and Montreal.
The versions of the show we saw over the weekend were both different from those we saw in 2010. Roger has changed up some of the animation and wall projections to accommodate a much wider wall. The wider wall is used in outdoor parks and stadiums and it was used at the Rogers Centre on Saturday evening.
We got our tickets through Roger`s online fanclub, in a presale special. In Toronto, we were in the front, centre section, row 23, in the centre of the row. My seat was actually partially over the big cable which goes from the mixing board to the stage. Funny thing about the board in Toronto, it was so big, and the floor of the old Skydome so expansive, they put a portajohn in the enclosed area for the crew.
In Ottawa, the smaller wall was used inside the ScotiaBank Place. Incredibly, Mark and I sat in the front row, of the centre section, in centre seats. I say sat but we actually stood for the entire show. Front row is an amazing place to see the show from.
I have put up two sets of photos on flickr (you can find them if you click on the image here). During each performance, Roger has local students come on stage with him during Another Brick in the Wall, Part Two. It was very neat to see the kids up close last night. There were three teachers who were in the pit, in front of us, while the kids were performing. The teachers were all very vigourously doing the choreography and singing along with the kids. As we were leaving, I recognized one of the teachers and hollered at them to get their attention. I had taken quite a few photos of the kids and gave them my card so they could find them online. While I was doing that, the show promoter was nearby and gave me his card so I sent him a link today. Everyone was so friendly and lovely in Ottawa last night, it was a terrific experience.
There was one big change to the show, both nights. After the children go off stage, Roger sings a new part to Another Brick in the Wall. He`s singing about Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian engineering student who was murdered by the London Police in a tube station in 2005. He was mistaken for a terror suspect and shot in the back of the head several times.
The show is very powerful and if you have a chance to see one of these final shows, I would go. Mark is going to be at the final show of the tour, in Quebec City next month. He saw the original show in New York in 1980 so it`s a nice way for him to close this circle with Roger.
Mark saw the first two shows of the tour in Toronto back in the fall of 2010 and then he and I saw shows together in Ottawa and Montreal.
The versions of the show we saw over the weekend were both different from those we saw in 2010. Roger has changed up some of the animation and wall projections to accommodate a much wider wall. The wider wall is used in outdoor parks and stadiums and it was used at the Rogers Centre on Saturday evening.
We got our tickets through Roger`s online fanclub, in a presale special. In Toronto, we were in the front, centre section, row 23, in the centre of the row. My seat was actually partially over the big cable which goes from the mixing board to the stage. Funny thing about the board in Toronto, it was so big, and the floor of the old Skydome so expansive, they put a portajohn in the enclosed area for the crew.
In Ottawa, the smaller wall was used inside the ScotiaBank Place. Incredibly, Mark and I sat in the front row, of the centre section, in centre seats. I say sat but we actually stood for the entire show. Front row is an amazing place to see the show from.
I have put up two sets of photos on flickr (you can find them if you click on the image here). During each performance, Roger has local students come on stage with him during Another Brick in the Wall, Part Two. It was very neat to see the kids up close last night. There were three teachers who were in the pit, in front of us, while the kids were performing. The teachers were all very vigourously doing the choreography and singing along with the kids. As we were leaving, I recognized one of the teachers and hollered at them to get their attention. I had taken quite a few photos of the kids and gave them my card so they could find them online. While I was doing that, the show promoter was nearby and gave me his card so I sent him a link today. Everyone was so friendly and lovely in Ottawa last night, it was a terrific experience.
There was one big change to the show, both nights. After the children go off stage, Roger sings a new part to Another Brick in the Wall. He`s singing about Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian engineering student who was murdered by the London Police in a tube station in 2005. He was mistaken for a terror suspect and shot in the back of the head several times.
The show is very powerful and if you have a chance to see one of these final shows, I would go. Mark is going to be at the final show of the tour, in Quebec City next month. He saw the original show in New York in 1980 so it`s a nice way for him to close this circle with Roger.
Monday, June 01, 2009
mark and yoko and john
Last month, well, actually two months ago now, in April, I promised Mark that we'd travel to Montreal to see "imagine: the peace ballad of john & yoko" as a birthday gift. Finally, on Friday, in the fog and through the rain, we made it to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to see Yoko's wonderful exhibit.
After learning about the exhibit earlier in the year, I deliberately avoided reading about it or seeing photos of it. I wanted to be able to experience it on my own. I think because the message is peace and so much of what was on display is widely available to the public, Yoko wanted folks to bring their cameras and document their own "bed in" experience. Much of the show is interactive and it was encouraging to see children participating, either by hammering nails into a painting, or playing on one of the white chess sets or hanging their wishes in the trees.
It was refreshing, in a world seemingly full of stories of war and pain, to participate in celebration of peace and to take a few moments to reflect upon the simple brilliance of "giving peace a chance." Ironically, when we exited the exhibit, the other big show on the 3rd floor of the museum was about Napoleon.
The rest of the day was spent doing Montreal type errands. We had lunch (at the counter) at Schwartz's, wandered around on St-Laurent (in the middle of a street festival - the whole street was closed to cars), visited IKEA and Marche Central for some shopping. En route back to Kingston, we stopped at our favourite Glengarry County truck stop for dinner. Not everything we did went exactly as planned but it all happened the way it was supposed to. I'd say it was pretty close to a perfect day, rain and all.
After learning about the exhibit earlier in the year, I deliberately avoided reading about it or seeing photos of it. I wanted to be able to experience it on my own. I think because the message is peace and so much of what was on display is widely available to the public, Yoko wanted folks to bring their cameras and document their own "bed in" experience. Much of the show is interactive and it was encouraging to see children participating, either by hammering nails into a painting, or playing on one of the white chess sets or hanging their wishes in the trees.
It was refreshing, in a world seemingly full of stories of war and pain, to participate in celebration of peace and to take a few moments to reflect upon the simple brilliance of "giving peace a chance." Ironically, when we exited the exhibit, the other big show on the 3rd floor of the museum was about Napoleon.
The rest of the day was spent doing Montreal type errands. We had lunch (at the counter) at Schwartz's, wandered around on St-Laurent (in the middle of a street festival - the whole street was closed to cars), visited IKEA and Marche Central for some shopping. En route back to Kingston, we stopped at our favourite Glengarry County truck stop for dinner. Not everything we did went exactly as planned but it all happened the way it was supposed to. I'd say it was pretty close to a perfect day, rain and all.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
huh?
I'm feeling a little bit all over the place today.
This week, I'm taking Friday off, in lieu for working over the weekend. Subsequently, it's been a busy week so far as I try to get stuff done in a four day week. Also been working harder than normal in the evenings at home. I'd really love to not have any housework to do over the weekend. Wouldn't that be nice? I did three loads of laundry last night and a bunch of cleaning. The house is starting to look like you could almost let people live there.
We plan to go to Montreal for the day on Friday. It's sort of a belated birthday gift for Mark. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has an exhibit on now, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of John & Yoko's bed in and we're going to at least see that and make a side trip to Schwartz's (cuz you can't go to Montreal and not visit Schwartz's).
To make up for a less than coherent post, here's a fun Joel Plaskett video to get you through hump day. Enjoy!
This week, I'm taking Friday off, in lieu for working over the weekend. Subsequently, it's been a busy week so far as I try to get stuff done in a four day week. Also been working harder than normal in the evenings at home. I'd really love to not have any housework to do over the weekend. Wouldn't that be nice? I did three loads of laundry last night and a bunch of cleaning. The house is starting to look like you could almost let people live there.
We plan to go to Montreal for the day on Friday. It's sort of a belated birthday gift for Mark. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has an exhibit on now, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of John & Yoko's bed in and we're going to at least see that and make a side trip to Schwartz's (cuz you can't go to Montreal and not visit Schwartz's).
To make up for a less than coherent post, here's a fun Joel Plaskett video to get you through hump day. Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
seven
With all of the other stuff we had going on over the weekend, I forgot to mention that poor little seven died on the weekend. She'd been pretty lethargic over the past couple of weeks and really started to fail at the end of last week. Sunday morning, she passed away.
We called her Seven because we got her on our 7th anniversary. We'd have had her 3 years in August. She was a spunky little fish, super cute with telescopic eyes. We'll really miss her!
Didja watch da Idol last night? We saw part of it. To be honest, we've watched it this season without really liking anyone. I disliked a lot of folks (like that Gokey guy) and honestly don't care one way or the other about who wins (although I think Adam deserves it a little more than Kris).
the week is whizzing by for me. Short weeks always do, although I'm working Friday night and Saturday so it'll not be all that short in the end. I'll get some time off in lieu of working on the weekend so it's not bad at all, in fact, it was something I volunteered for. Next week, we may go up to Montreal for a day trip. It's been almost 2 years since we've been there and there are a couple of things we wanted to do and see and a day trip seemed like a good idea. I love Montreal. I love how pretty it is, and how cool it is and how you can function perfectly well without having to speak french. We have, however, been mocked (well our van has been mocked) for having Ontario plates on it but we just suck it up and don't take it personally!
We called her Seven because we got her on our 7th anniversary. We'd have had her 3 years in August. She was a spunky little fish, super cute with telescopic eyes. We'll really miss her!
Didja watch da Idol last night? We saw part of it. To be honest, we've watched it this season without really liking anyone. I disliked a lot of folks (like that Gokey guy) and honestly don't care one way or the other about who wins (although I think Adam deserves it a little more than Kris).
the week is whizzing by for me. Short weeks always do, although I'm working Friday night and Saturday so it'll not be all that short in the end. I'll get some time off in lieu of working on the weekend so it's not bad at all, in fact, it was something I volunteered for. Next week, we may go up to Montreal for a day trip. It's been almost 2 years since we've been there and there are a couple of things we wanted to do and see and a day trip seemed like a good idea. I love Montreal. I love how pretty it is, and how cool it is and how you can function perfectly well without having to speak french. We have, however, been mocked (well our van has been mocked) for having Ontario plates on it but we just suck it up and don't take it personally!
Monday, April 13, 2009
doggy day trip
Today we had a great day.
For a whole bunch of reasons, both Mark and I booked off today and in amongst looking after the stuff we needed to look after, we took a road trip to Trenton. Gracie had never been to the Quinte West Dog Park and Sam had a blast when we took him so we thought we'd go again.
It was awesome (although the wind was pretty cold). They had a great time, running around, meeting some new dog buddies and hanging out in the van. They are good road trip dogs. We even took the Glenora Ferry to Adolphustown (and were at the front of the ferry) and they were really good. It's a much smaller ferry than the Wolfe Islander so they could see the water and didn't freak.
Good doggies huh? Of course now, all four of us are tired. Too much fun and fresh air I guess. It was a great way to end the weekend.
For a whole bunch of reasons, both Mark and I booked off today and in amongst looking after the stuff we needed to look after, we took a road trip to Trenton. Gracie had never been to the Quinte West Dog Park and Sam had a blast when we took him so we thought we'd go again.
It was awesome (although the wind was pretty cold). They had a great time, running around, meeting some new dog buddies and hanging out in the van. They are good road trip dogs. We even took the Glenora Ferry to Adolphustown (and were at the front of the ferry) and they were really good. It's a much smaller ferry than the Wolfe Islander so they could see the water and didn't freak.
Good doggies huh? Of course now, all four of us are tired. Too much fun and fresh air I guess. It was a great way to end the weekend.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
sleep is my friend
We left the wedding last night at around 10:30 p.m. The speeches were just over and the slideshow (which I worked on and would have liked to have seen) had just started.
The reason we left so early was simple, we needed to be back up at 4:15 a.m. this morning. Yeah, 4:15 a.m. We had offered to take the newlyweds to the airport so that they could go on their last-minute honeymoon. It made sense to offer, Mark's a driver, he knows Toronto better than he knows Kingston and oh yeah, we don't drink so we were the only folks at the wedding who weren't either going to be hung over or still drunk this morning.
The bride & groom were still tipsy when we picked them up at 5 a.m. They slept all the way to Toronto. I felt bad waking them but we had to. They are en route to somewhere sunny and we are en route to bed.
I cannot recall the last time I was this tired. Honestly though, we had a great day in Toronto, it felt good to help them out (this is a girl who I have known for 20 years - since she was 3 - and who I love so...). I'll feel better about it later though, for the moment, I need a nap, in a big huge way.
The reason we left so early was simple, we needed to be back up at 4:15 a.m. this morning. Yeah, 4:15 a.m. We had offered to take the newlyweds to the airport so that they could go on their last-minute honeymoon. It made sense to offer, Mark's a driver, he knows Toronto better than he knows Kingston and oh yeah, we don't drink so we were the only folks at the wedding who weren't either going to be hung over or still drunk this morning.
The bride & groom were still tipsy when we picked them up at 5 a.m. They slept all the way to Toronto. I felt bad waking them but we had to. They are en route to somewhere sunny and we are en route to bed.
I cannot recall the last time I was this tired. Honestly though, we had a great day in Toronto, it felt good to help them out (this is a girl who I have known for 20 years - since she was 3 - and who I love so...). I'll feel better about it later though, for the moment, I need a nap, in a big huge way.
Friday, July 27, 2007
best simpsons movie EVER
wow.
We've had a great day so far.
We just got home from the states. In honour of Simpsons Day, we spent the morning in Syracuse, shopping and stuff. We had lunch at BK where we picked up 3 of the 16 talking toys!! After lunch, we drove back to Watertown to see the movie.
It was great. It was kind of neat watching the movie with an American audience. I think we laughed louder at some of the anti-bush jokes than the rest of the folks in the theatre. I guess it's easier to laugh when you don't have to live with him every day. I mean Stephen Harper is a joke too but it's a different thing completely.
I didn't really go into the movie with any set expectations. We felt that the last two seasons weren't as great as they could have been and kept telling each other, "it's okay, they're saving the good stuff for the movie."
We were right. The movie was hilarious. Funniest comedy I've seen in a long time. The animation was spectactular too. When you have the resources of a motion picture production company behind you, it makes all of the difference in the world. Some of the scenes were absolutely breath taking. Just lovely.
Even if you're not a fan of the Simpsons, I think you'd like it. It's worthwhile seeing for a few reasons (not just cuz it's funny and gorgeous): the character you would least expect to cus, actually does and, if you stick around until the credits are done, you get to hear "Maggies first word."
It's a good'un. If the rain holds off, we're hoping to head to the drive in shortly to see it again, tonight.
We've had a great day so far.
We just got home from the states. In honour of Simpsons Day, we spent the morning in Syracuse, shopping and stuff. We had lunch at BK where we picked up 3 of the 16 talking toys!! After lunch, we drove back to Watertown to see the movie.
It was great. It was kind of neat watching the movie with an American audience. I think we laughed louder at some of the anti-bush jokes than the rest of the folks in the theatre. I guess it's easier to laugh when you don't have to live with him every day. I mean Stephen Harper is a joke too but it's a different thing completely.
I didn't really go into the movie with any set expectations. We felt that the last two seasons weren't as great as they could have been and kept telling each other, "it's okay, they're saving the good stuff for the movie."
We were right. The movie was hilarious. Funniest comedy I've seen in a long time. The animation was spectactular too. When you have the resources of a motion picture production company behind you, it makes all of the difference in the world. Some of the scenes were absolutely breath taking. Just lovely.
Even if you're not a fan of the Simpsons, I think you'd like it. It's worthwhile seeing for a few reasons (not just cuz it's funny and gorgeous): the character you would least expect to cus, actually does and, if you stick around until the credits are done, you get to hear "Maggies first word."
It's a good'un. If the rain holds off, we're hoping to head to the drive in shortly to see it again, tonight.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
roger and chocolate
at the moment, we're on a little mini-holiday. yay!
we've both booked the next couple of days off so that we can go to Ottawa and see Roger Waters.
Mark's very excited and I'm curious about the show. I'm not a fan of big, huge, expensive productions. I prefer to see bands in clubs but I'm sure it'll be an experience to remember. My personal philosophy is that the music should be enough, that it shouldn't require all the extra stuff, videos and large screens and the like.
I'm also looking forward to my little break from work. The past couple of days have been really hectic for me, partly because it's just busy right now and partly because I've been trying to clear my desk off before my mini-holiday. Right now, my desk is as clear as it's going to be and I'm looking forward to taking it very easy!
we've both booked the next couple of days off so that we can go to Ottawa and see Roger Waters.
Mark's very excited and I'm curious about the show. I'm not a fan of big, huge, expensive productions. I prefer to see bands in clubs but I'm sure it'll be an experience to remember. My personal philosophy is that the music should be enough, that it shouldn't require all the extra stuff, videos and large screens and the like.
I'm also looking forward to my little break from work. The past couple of days have been really hectic for me, partly because it's just busy right now and partly because I've been trying to clear my desk off before my mini-holiday. Right now, my desk is as clear as it's going to be and I'm looking forward to taking it very easy!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
insanity
I've seen your crack.
We are up at the crack of insanity this morning.
Just early enough though, that'll we be on the highway in a little bit and in Toronto by 9 a.m.
Roadtrip's are definitely less fun when a visit to the cemetery is involved.
Alas, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do, right?
We are up at the crack of insanity this morning.
Just early enough though, that'll we be on the highway in a little bit and in Toronto by 9 a.m.
Roadtrip's are definitely less fun when a visit to the cemetery is involved.
Alas, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do, right?
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